Appointments....

 Today I found out that my dental insurance will allow me to be seen earlier than my usual 6 months due to the cancer. So I was able to schedule a dentist's appointment for Friday August 11 at 930 am. I was supposed to get it done before the chemo starts but since I don't know that date yet, I just took the first appointment available. I also found out that the VA cannot accommodate me quick enough with respect to the removal of the IUD and the MRI that was ordered. I am looking forward to hearing from Community Care for both of those appointments. My nurse navigator at the VA also faxed my consult directly to the oncologist's scheduler, I should be hearing from them any time now. As far as dietary needs go, I can call and set up a video appointment with the VA and if there is not a dietician in Colorado Springs, I can do it by video.

In good news, my mom sent me a breast cancer awareness bracelet. Both her and some other people in my Facebook group are also ordering and they will all wear them throughout my journey. That really touches my heart!! 

Mom also sent a breast cancer care package with fuzzy socks, a personal fan, a pen and a little encouraging book.

Now I'm off to call the oncologist's office since it's getting close to closing time and I haven't heard from them. Have a blessed day!!

Beginning My Journey with Breast Cancer

On May 11, 2023 I had a routine mammogram. They said they needed more pictures so they (The Denver VAMC) sent me into the community for a diagnostic mammogram with a possible ultrasound to follow up. I did get the ultrasound after the mammogram, that was July 11. They scheduled me for a biopsy on July 18. I didn't think much about it because I had a biopsy on the left breast in July 2015 and it was negative. I was concerned that they wanted to do the biopsy so quickly but they assured me they always schedule people quickly for these. 

On July 24 I received a call from my primary care provider letting me know that the results were positive for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I was immediately scheduled for an appointment with the breast surgeon at the VA. We went there yesterday, July 27. She informed us that it is a Stage 1, HER2+, ERPR+ tumor that is about 1.7 cm in size. Because it is close to 2 cm in size, I am borderline for doing surgery before chemo. So, the doctor ordered a breast MRI to further evaluate the size of the tumor and see if there are any more spots that the ultrasound may have missed.

They are also sending a consult to the Community Care office so I can do most of my treatment here in the Springs. I will go to the Denver VA for the MRI but if all goes well, everything else will be done down here. They will also do genetic testing on me to see if I have any genes that predispose me to cancer. And the VA will cover the cost of everything, what a blessing!!

I came across this Scripture verse and am working on memorizing it. It will be my "theme" verse for the duration of my treatment. 

Be on your guard;
stand firm in the faith;
be courageous;
be strong.       

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)

That's all the news I have right now. I am just waiting for the MRI.

Drinking From The Saucer

Drinking From the Saucer
-Author unknown


I have never made a fortune and I’ll never make one now,
But it really doesn’t matter ‘cause I’m happy anyhow.
As I go along my journey I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from the saucer ‘cause my cup has overflowed.<br>
I don’t have a lot of riches and sometimes the goings rough,
But while I’ve got friends to love me I think I’m rich enough.
I’ll just thank God for the blessings that His mercy has bestowed.
I’m drinking from the saucer ‘cause my cup has overflowed.<br>
If God gives me strength and courage when the way grows steep and rough,
I’ll not ask for other blessings, I’m already blessed enough.
May I never be too busy to bear another’s load,
Then I’ll be drinking from the saucer ‘cause my cup has overflowed.